Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

While every other Thanksgiving has to be traded off with Michael's side of the family, in terms of the Schillings participation with us; almost always, Michele has made it a habit to come down just to hang out during the first part of this week. (Dallas school district has conferences this week and therefore no school). Traditionally, because of all of the anticipation, that has resulted in this being one of my favorite weeks of the entire year.

Generally, that means some goodies are made - often pumpkin pie is part of the equation. I found this ad about a month ago and tried to find an image online, but had to settle for a picture I took. While the names may be different, I think you get the idea - and it definitely applies to our family. Particularly my mom. =) She has such a funny story relating to her, pumpkin pie, and the use of Ambien....I'm sure you get the idea!


Tomorrow, we'll wake up and watch the "Macy's Day Parade" (and play Parade Bingo which Dave introduced to us last year...), head over to the Festival of Trees, have dinner (lunch) at the Sweetwaters restaurant there with my parents and John's mom, and then watch "Madagascar 2". It should all be a lot of fun, but will require a fair amount of organization as immediately following that, we'll head up to Michele's and prepare for John's midnight shopping adventures with Travis at the Woodburn outlets and Michele and I's likely 2am departure from her house to return back to Eugene to shop with my mom.

If this all sounds terribly unpleasant to you, I have to say, "to each their own". I've been thinking a lot about that this week as I have heard various opinions given and feelings expressed pertaining to preferences regarding: Christmas music (and when it should begin), Black Friday (and whether or not to participate), the amount of presents given, how to celebrate Thanksgiving (and whether or not a restaurant is acceptable), and of course, the ongoing "involve Santa or not"... I've done a lot of listening and not a lot of talking because I'm a little concerned at the response. (You get up how early? You begin listening to Christmas music when? Your kids still believe in Santa?) Maybe concerned is the wrong word, more like - I don't want to hear the disapproval. I have a huge Pollyanna Perspective when it comes to the holiday season and folks cutting on it and why it's all so commercialized or celebrated for the wrong reasons kind of takes some of the joy out of the experience for me. So, I'm learning to not expect others to enjoy the same things as me, but rather wish for others the sort of holiday traditions that brings them the greatest amounts of joy.

By the way, Kris =) , I'm not talking about you! On the contrary, our conversation yesterday demonstrated exactly what I'm saying - what is comfortable and joy-producing for one family may end up being the exact opposite for another. At least I know I won't be fighting you for the 70% off item at Kohls (when the store just has 5 in stock!) at 4 in the morning!

So, to everyone I wish HAPPY THANKSGIVING - how ever that may look for each reader. I wish you joy, wonderful memories, and meaningful conversations that bring folks closer. Most of all, I wish that everyone finds themselves much to be thankful for... how blessed we are.


P.S. - I got this in an email today from the above mentioned, Kris - HAD to share it!

Thanksgiving Divorce

A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says,"I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.

“We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her."

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this."

She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way."